Hailey Adams (Blackburn Class of 2024) is a junior majoring in Public Relations on the CREATE Path to MBA. Adams was crowned Miss University of Alabama on Saturday, October 10, 2025.
On October 10, I was incredibly honored to be crowned Miss University of Alabama 2026 at the historic Bama Theatre. As a Birmingham native and junior majoring in Public Relations on the CREATE Path to MBA, this moment truly felt like a dream come true.
This dream is not just about a crown. It is a full-circle moment in my journey of service and leadership at The University of Alabama. I am deeply involved on campus as a member of and Student Officer for the Blackburn Institute, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Student Government Association, and part of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership. These experiences have prepared me to step confidently into the role of Miss University of Alabama.
My experience in the Blackburn Institute has been one of the most transformative parts of my college career. Blackburn has taught me that true leadership is rooted in empathy, understanding, and service. It is not about the title; it is about the impact you leave behind.
Being a part of this program has strengthened my desire to invest back into The University of Alabama and the state that raised me. The Blackburn community has reminded me that meaningful change begins with relationships and connection, and that is exactly how I hope to lead as Miss UA. Blackburn has made me a more intentional leader, focused on creating lasting and positive change.
I have also been involved in the Miss America Opportunity since I was 11 years old. It all began when my sister and I attended a Childhood Cancer Community event in California and met a local titleholder who shared how her crown gave her a platform to serve. That was the moment I realized I wanted to do the same.
I watched my sister compete in Miss Florida’s Teen and saw how much she grew through the experience. Coming from a family with four children, I also recognized that this program could help make higher education more affordable. As a freshman in high school, I decided to compete for Miss Alabama’s Teen. Even though I did not win that first year, I fell completely in love with the program. When I returned as a junior, I was crowned Miss Alabama’s Teen 2022, and it truly changed my life.
The Miss Alabama Organization has poured so much into me, helping me grow in confidence, leadership, and service. Blackburn Fellow Lindsey Fincher (class of 2020) has been a role model of mine since that moment, and when I arrived on campus, I knew my goal was to one day become Miss University of Alabama.
I am especially looking forward to promoting my community service initiative throughout this year as Miss UA. My initiative is called Hailey H.E.A.R.S., which stands for Helping, Educating, Advocating, Resilience, and Strength. The goal of my initiative is to end human trafficking through education, advocacy, and empowerment. While I have spent most of my life serving in the childhood cancer community, I have recently felt a calling to focus on educating and advocating for victims of human trafficking.
As a co-chair of Governor Ivey’s Human Trafficking Task Force, I have learned how often this issue hides in plain sight. Through my initiative, I hope to teach others how to protect themselves and their peers, amplify survivor voices, and remind every person that they are heard, valued, and never alone.
As Miss UA, I want to be a representative for everyone on campus. Someone who leads with kindness, authenticity, and Crimson Tide pride. My goal this year is to continue spreading awareness about both the Miss UA program and Hailey H.E.A.R.S. while connecting with as many students and organizations as possible.
Miss UA is so much more than a crown. It is about leadership, collaboration, and community. I want to attend events, volunteer across campus, and partner with the National Alumni Association to bridge students and alumni together. Whether I am cheering on the Tide or hosting events that bring people together, I hope to make a lasting impact at the Capstone.
I am so proud to represent the University, the Miss Alabama Organization, and the Blackburn Institute as Miss University of Alabama 2026. This year, my mission is simple: serve with purpose, lead with heart, and show that when you listen with compassion, everyone can be heard.